Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays


Contactors suitable for switching capacitor banks

September 2001 Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays

Rockwell Automation is expanding the successful MCS product series by introducing contactors for switching capacitors. The 100Q-C series' new devices are ideally suited to the demanding applications of compensation systems and prove themselves through their safe function and long life, whilst having compact enveloping masses and attractive designs.

The operation of numerous, large inductive consumers requires compensation loads to be switched in appropriately, in order to counteract blind currents. The use of conventional contactors is restricted, as switching capacitors results in extremely high currents which can cause the contacts to melt together. Furthermore, experience has shown that even contactors with special contact materials cope badly with these demands and can become damaged.

Greatly reduced electric current surges

With the introduction of the 100Q-C series' new devices, Rockwell Automation now offers capacitor contactors that switch capacitive loads in a safe, controlled and reliable manner. This is accomplished through resistors that preload the capacitors shortly before the main contacts are switched in. This results in a massive reduction in the current surge and makes it possible to switch capacitor batteries directly without additional inductance using contactors. Even the peaks of a 200-fold nominal direct current (for multilevel capacitor batteries) can be switched without risk to contactor or device, and without excessive heating - even in continuous operation. The components required for this function are integrated into a resistance module mounted at the front of the 100Q-C series' contactors and are permanently connected to the contactor.

Compact, versatile and easy to install

Visually and operationally, the capacitor contactors offer compactness, versatility and easy installation. In the case of the 100Q-C series' contactors, these well-known MCS product characteristics permit space-saving, economic and fast installation of compensation equipment and also convenient and simple modification of existing systems.

The new contactors are produced in 15 kVar (size 0) and 25 kVar (size 1) and are available for all AC and DC voltages (also with various auxiliary contacts). Conventional MCS-C contactor accessories may also be used. The 100Q-C series' devices have easily accessible terminals, reversible coil connections, can be installed quickly and easily and are made from environmentally friendly materials.



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